Background and Purpose of Their Visit

Emma and Julia have arrived in Vilnius as part of an academic exchange program, each pursuing independent research.

However, their fields overlap, leading them to plan a joint academic seminar on the interplay between history and nature in shaping urban identity and development.

Their research involves maps, architecture, geology, and cultural heritage, prompting them to frequently explore the city, examine its landscape, and engage with local scholars. They will also conduct lectures and academic discussions at Vilnius University.

Emma Whitmore (British)

• Field of Expertise: History
• Alma Mater: University of Cambridge, PhD
• Current Position: Associate Professor in the History Department at a university in the UK
• Visiting Department: Department of History and Cultural Heritage, Vilnius University
• Current Research Focus:
  • Investigating the relationship between historical memory and urban spaces in Vilnius
  • Examining how buildings and monuments reflect ideological shifts over time
  • Comparing Vilnius with other Eastern European historical cities, such as Riga and Tallinn

Julia Ellison (Canadian)

• Field of Expertise: Geography & Geosciences
• Alma Mater: University of Toronto, PhD
• Current Position: Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Geosciences at a university in Canada
• Visiting Department: Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, Vilnius University
• Current Research Focus:
  • Studying the relationship between Vilnius’ terrain, rivers, and urban development
  • Examining how historical architecture is influenced by geological conditions (e.g., stone sources, soil stability)
  • Investigating how human activity has altered the local landscape and ecosystems